Berringa Community News Winter 2020 edition

Berringa Community News Winter 2020 Photo . Bridge in fog by David Cottee News and views from the residents of Bellbridge, Bethanga, Granya & Talgarno Circulation: 560 ABN: 96 071 800 843

Covid 19 Edition Autumn 2020 on the Peninsula was planned to be a season of events and community activities that celebrated the end of a horrible summer of fires and drought and welcomed the cooler weather and rain.

At the beginning of March, the Berringa Community News Autumn edition advertised the upcoming events and recognised the beginning of a new school year. By the middle of March, the annual community events - the Annual Community Fundraiser, the Bethanga Gymkhana and Family Fun Day and Bethanga ANZAC Day Ceremony were cancelled. The

local schools closed and the children worked from home. Playgrounds, sporting clubs, the pubs and the shops also closed. For many farmers and the retired, life went on very much the same, but others sadly lost their jobs. A whole virtual world has opened - work, contact with friends and family and meetings are done online.

The Berringa Community News editors were concerned that we would have enough to fill a newsletter but life on the Peninsula has continued, differently maybe, and we are publishing our regular newsletter.

COMMUNITY REPORTS This section is for individuals in the community to share their stories, ideas, poems and reports about local happenings etc. Email items to info@berringacommunitynews.com .au or post/drop in to 341 Wises Creek Road, Talgarno.

We will be back ..................

Our Annual Berringa Community Fundraiser morning tea for Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre was postponed for this year because of the Coronavirus restrictions. Assuming we will be permitted to host events of over a few hundred people, we plan to run the fundraiser event next year. You will receive information about the scheduled date early next year and in the Berringa Newsletter.

flight over Albury-Wodonga area and lots more; a silent auction of magnificent hand crafted items, vouchers from local business houses, electrical goods; plant and cake stalls and a great opportunity to support our local Cancer Centre.

For a few weeks prior to the event and at the event, tickets in a raffle for a magnificent queen size bed quilt, elegant necklace and earring set and a load of firewood will be on sale.

The event will be held at Julie & Jim de Hennin’s property again next year and the successful format of 2019 will be followed. The event will include a delicious morning tea; an auctioneer called auction of items including a 1 week holiday at 2 beach houses, hot air balloon flight, BBQ boat trip on Lake Hume, helicopter

For further information please call Julie de Hennin ph.

0412 433 499 The Berringa Community Morning Tea Fundraiser Team

Talgarno Recreation Reserve Committee The Committee has been continuing the process of seeking funding for the Hall and its surrounds. We currently have two applications awaiting consideration.

One of these is to install solar panels on the Hall or the BBQ shelter when we get it. This is a very long shot because the opportunity we are following is under the Commonwealth’s Stronger Regional Communities Program and there are only two grants that will be available across the entire electorate of Indi.

Nonetheless, we think it is critically important that we get solar panels to offset one of our largest on-going expenses in keeping the Hall functioning. The second application is under the Foundation for Rural and

Regional Renewal (FRRR) with a program called the News Corp Bushfire Fund Grant Program. We have applied for $25,000 (the maximum permitted) to help construct a shelter between the Hall and the Fire Shed.

In addition to our own efforts to raise funds, Towong Shire has been active in preparing and applying for funding to improve the tennis courts and provide some funds towards a BBQ shelter.

Greg Hayes Secretary, Talgarno Recreation Reserve Committee of Management

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New Book, “Mudpoo and the Secret of the Rainforest” Written by Peter Klein Illustrated by Leon de Montignie My fourth book in the Mudpoo series, Mudpoo and the Secret of the Rainforest, contains beautiful illustrations by the amazing Leon de Montignie. It empowers young people in the climate change debate; ‘that the little things we do can change things for the better!’

later.

There are now four great Mudpoo books and a Captain Pete CD that contains songs, bush-poetry and the audio story of book 1. All books encourage children’s creativity, reading, writing, resilience and research. To order the Mudpoo Adventure books go to www.mudpoo.com.au You can also catch me on FACE BOOK at Mudpoo/1 Captain Pete where I’m sharing some of my stories and songs for kids.

Our story begins when Captain Pete, Mudpoo (a young adventurous boy) Harry (the talking dog) and Gus (the talking Kombi van) accidently uncover a mysterious secret treasure chest, filled with interesting clues on their Bethanga property. It leads them on a journey of intrigue Please stay safe everyone! Peter Klein (Captain Pete) and adventure which is linked to a steamy rainforest in Sumatra. There the evil character ‘Sneaky’ and the greedy horrible pirates; Grot, Snot, Bones and Pong are up to no good. It's left to a brave and endangered Storm's stork, his faithful companion catbird, a new hero, a girl named Ember and an army of eagles, to try and rescue the protected rainforest and all its curious creatures.

The story includes real science that could prevent cows from burping methane! It also offers readers real solutions to weaken our link to Palm Oil with help from the Melbourne Zoo and even a letter sent by a former Prime Minister!

Mudpoo and the Secret of the Rainforest is aimed at young readers in the 7-12 age group but it’s also a book for everyone to enjoy. Just as we did with my last book, this one will become a ‘crazy and real’ school musical production. The kids at Talgarno Primary School have auditioned and are individually rehearsing their roles at home right now! More information to come

BETHANGA POST OFFICE offering BANKING withdrawals and deposits BILL PAYMENTS MONEY ORDERS

Talgarno Cemetery Fees and services have recently been upgraded and gazetted and will soon be published online. The trust is currently seeking expressions of interest from community members who would be interested in becoming honorary trust members. Please contact one of the trust members below if you are interested.

Melissa Nichol 6020 1290 Lea Casey, Secretary lea.casey@gmail.com

LETTER AND PARCEL POST PO BOXES STAMPS AND ENVELOPES MAIL2DAY Licensee Felicity Conway Ph. 6026 4214 Email thebethangapostoffice@gmail.com

Bethanga General Store Update As most people would already be aware, the Bethanga General Store has been closed during the COVID19 lockdown, due to Government directives as it being a non-essential service.

To clarify the situation and debunk some of the hearsay circulating, there is no intention to close the store permanently. It is proposed to re-open as soon as the situation changes and the rules allow it.

Considering the Bellbridge store has already closed, this is good news for our Peninsula.

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Anzac Day Commemoration at Talgarno The current restrictions in place with COVID19 meant finding a different way for most of us to celebrate and commemorate ANZAC Day this year. In Talgarno, thanks largely to the Pearson family, a workaround was developed.

Through social media, arrangements were made to gather in Vincent’s Road prior to dawn. Each family group attending was instructed to park on the side of the road and wait for a short service, making sure to abide with social distancing protocols.

At 6am, ‘The Ode’ was read aloud by Defence Force Cadet Jennoah Wallace of Talgarno, as he stood tall, dressed in uniform and standing beside the Australian National Flag.

Then unmistakable sounds of ‘The Last Post’ sounded across the valley through the fog in the pre-dawn darkness.

It was both eerie and emotional for those gathered.

The minute of silence that followed was so solemn, then the air was filled with another bugle call, ‘The Rouse’.

Thank you to Brendan Pearson for your wonderful renditions.

To complete the service, the solo voice of Kelly Gibbons then resounded through the valley singing the National Anthem with such grace and without accompanying instruments. Her voice was the only instrument required to fill the valley with pride.

It may not have been the service that we were used to, but it was something to remember the service of our soldiers and throughout the years and those lost in war. It was also something for those present to just remember and carry with them.

Thank you to those that attended the bitterly cold conditions of the morning and for those that organised and participated.

David Cottee

‘They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them’ 4

The Silent Soldiers of Naours A story for ANZAC day by Peter Klein discovered as they continue to do archaeological work to explore this massive underground cave system.

In 2019 the caves had been closed to the public for renovations to modify the caves for visitors to help preserve the ‘pencils on the wall’. This Anzac Day there was to be a special inauguration ceremony for the reopening of the caves. They currently have around 60,000+ visitors each year. Caroline Lebourgeois is the manager at the caves. She gave us a personalised tour and she asked me if I could write a song dedicated to the caves of Naours and the memory of the WW1 soldiers.

Bringing the memory of the ‘silent soldiers of Naours’ back to life is important as in many cases the signature they left on the wall was the last message they left before dying on the battlefield. Sometimes the soldier’s stories end well and they make it back home. Leaving graffiti is such an Aussie thing to do, but it was done in such an orderly way. Often it was name, town, state, battalion and year. The higher ranked you were, the higher on the wall you left your signature! These caves gave the soldiers a chance for respite from the horrors of the Western front.

In 2018 Bella, Narelle and I travelled to Northern France for a Rededication Ceremony for nine Australian soldiers killed during the WW1 Battle of Fromelles on the Western front. Their bodies had been identified using DNA testing. Captain Kenneth Mortimer was my wife Narelle’s great Uncle and my daughter Isabella’s great, great Uncle whose remains had been found in a mass grave at Pheasant Wood near Fromelles in 2009.

Captain Mortimer disappeared during the Battle of When I told my friends about the song I’d written they Fromelles after bravely leading his men to the German offered to help; Jack Jensen played harmonica, Rowan front line; he grew up in Leneva and was only 20 years Brown played some squeeze box and some brass as we old. felt they were instruments the soldiers might have played Whilst in the area we explored the caves of Naours, an in WW1. Bella (my daughter) sang harmony with me in ancient underground city where village dwellers hid from honour of her great, great Uncle Captain Kenneth invaders in the 1600’s. This massive cave system Mortimer. Liz Jensen and Brett Gilbee sang on the final replicated the streets and houses above and was large chorus and Tony Boon played bass and assisted with the enough to hide 2000 people and 100’s of animals, where recording’s production. Adam Boon did the recording the villagers could live safely for months at a time. The work at Professional Audio Services in Wodonga. I secret entrance to the caves was lost, until it was played the mandolin, guitar, sang and focussed on the rediscovered in 1886. It became a place where WW1 musical arrangement. I thank them all for getting behind soldiers went for respite from the battlefront and they this project. often signed their names in the caves. It is believed that I sent our song to Caroline Lebourgeois in February there are at least 731 Aussie WW1 diggers who signed 2020. She loved the song and suggested it might be their names in pencil on the walls. More might be played daily at the entrance of the caves. She was keen for the song to be sung at their special ANZAC Ceremony to re-open the caves. The local Naours school children were learning the song to perform it for the ceremony and we had an invitation to be at the ceremony. Of course, this is now all postponed, possibly until 2021. After spending time exploring the caves I felt very strongly that this was a song I had to write. My song helps to bring the memories of ‘the silent soldiers of Naours’ back to life. After all they endured, at the very least, they deserve to be remembered in a song.

Macca who is the presenter for ABC radio’s ‘Australia All Over’ offered to play it during their Anzac program.

See words to song on p 6

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Pencil on the Wall © by Peter Klein (4/11/19) CHORUS 2 For freedom and for France we marched halfway around the world Through mud and blackened landscape, our battlefield unfurled In our signature’s there’s sadness, did we survive or did we fall…

We are now part of your country with our pencil on the wall

VERSE 1 There’s a time machine in France, deep in the darkest cave Where echoes whisper loudly, do not forget our names Silently we’re writing, longing for our homes When we signed these walls in France we would never walk alone We all feel pains of war with weariness in our souls We dream of love and land, Australia is our home Though my judgement makes me wonder and my heartaches truly blue It’s these signatures around me that bonds our time to you

VERSE 3 And you’ll never be forgotten in this time machine in France From the country of your birth to where the red poppies dance You lived the darkest hours and suffered silently in pain And found a light inside Naours in the deepest darkest caves And we thank you in this darkness as we discover who you are Brave and selfless soldiers who came from lands afar Your legacy is sacred in these caves, where poppies stand We listen for your, whispers light a flame to hold your hand

CHORUS 1 South Australia, Sydney, Tassie, Melbourne too Queensland, West Australia, every outback township true We are all united in these caves our voices call….

The roll call of the diggers for the ANZACs on the wall

South Australia, Sydney, Tassie, Melbourne too Queensland, West Australia, every outback township true We are all united in these caves our voices call….

The roll call of the diggers for the ANZACs on the wall For freedom and for France we marched halfway around the world Through mud and blackened landscape, our battlefield unfurled In our signature’s there’s sadness, did we survive or did we fall…

We are now part of your country with our pencil on the wall We are now part of your country with our pencil on the wall

VERSE 2 Fitzhenry and McCann, Mills, Banyard and Ross Tucker, Giles and Potter, Doyle and Murray count the cost We are the 14th we are the 10th, we are the 9th amongst the best Weary from the battle in these caves our spirits rest Patterson of Moyhu we salute your name And for all the other diggers we pay homage in these caves For your names are more than memories lost for all of time Your pencil tells a story that these ancient caves unwind

Man and His Camels Visit Bethanga After the fires and before the Covid-19 lock down, John Elliot with his four fully grown camels, a camel calf and his dog Buski visited Bethanga.

John, originally a business executive from Perth, left Perth in April last year and had travelled 2500 km before arriving in Bethanga on 26 February.

Along the way he is raising money and awareness for Beard Season, a skin cancer charity, and hopes to inspire others to live a bit more adventurously.

After crossing the Bethanga Bridge under police escort, John and his team held a meet & greet with the students at Bethanga Primary School and the community at Bethanga Hotel. The event at the Hotel raised more than $1000 and John said this is the highest amount raised in one place since he began his journey 2500km ago!

John Elliot and his Camels cross the Bethanga Bridge photo Neil Galloway

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John and his animal companions expect to spend another year on the road.

Prospects for the Season Ahead

Thank you to Greg Hayes who has agreed to regularly contribute weather related articles for Berringa Community News readers.

dropped from the unusually high level, while the ridge of high pressure moved further north than normal, allowing Well, what a magnificent autumn it has been - one of the more fronts to reach us here. At present soil moisture best for years. levels are very good.

In an average year the autumn rainfall (February to end The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) autumn outlook April) would be 143 mm. This year it was more than suggested an average season was likely so it was a bit twice that - 274 mm at TAFCO station (De Hennin’s), pessimistic as it turned out.

311 mm at Hume Reservoir and 268 mm at my place.

Prospects for winter (May to end July).

The Hume reading was 217% of average.

Rainfall Round-up

February was close to average everywhere, but the March and April rainfall figures were exceptional. The total autumn rainfall of 311 mm was the fourth highest on record, with 1939 having 520 mm, 2012 having 384 mm 1973 having 329 mm. In all those years other than 2012 it kept on raining with the annual rainfall over 1100 mm. And in all of them the May rainfall was only average, so don’t despair with the dry spell so far this May!

Well it is not often that the BOM’s outlook is as encouraging as the current one. Five out of 12 models suggest wetter than average, 2 suggest neutral to wetter, 4 are going for normal and just one suggesting it might be drier. The SOI is currently neutral but there are some early signs that it may turn into a La Nina. The Indian Ocean Dipole is also neutral but there are some indications that it may turn negative, which would likely result in above average rainfall. All the other climate influences are neutral or not important at this time of the year. And the overall level of accuracy for outlooks at this time of the year is high. Consequently, BOM is saying that there is a 58% chance that we will have better than 300 mm over winter, compared to a median of 227 mm.

And it is not just the winter that looks to be wetter than normal – the outlook for the next six months is extremely positive. Given the excellent start to the year and the high current levels of soil moisture and pasture growth, this really may turn out to be an exceptional year.

Greg Hayes

Once the waters off Australia’s northwest coast started to warm up and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole consequently ended, the fronts started to bring in the rain. The warmer seas in the North and Northwest created moisture sources to feed the fronts. At the same time the air pressure in southern Australia 7

Black Spot Program, Lake Road Development - Bellbridge The next stage of the Black Spot Program in Bellbridge will commence in May 2020.

Mayor David Wortmann said he was pleased to see the commencement of the much needed upgrades on the Lake Hume Peninsula.

The $170,000 project was awarded to Towong Shire as part of the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program.

The commencement of the project is a welcome announcement following a period of Council advocating for the funding.

“This section of the road is a known safety risk, the improvements will make a big difference for Bellbridge and Bethanga residents who regularly travel the road, as well as visitors to the area” he said.

The safety improvements on Lake Road will start at the Bethanga side of the Bellbridge township and run for 6km towards Bethanga. The upgrades will include the widening of road shoulders, line-marking, installation of safety guards and new signage.

The project will involve a reduction in the speed limit from 100km to 80km for approximately 4 kilometers, a further measure to improve the safety of the area.

Towong Shire Council – Bushfire Rates Relief Package Towong Shire Council has received $3.2M from Bushfire Recovery Victoria through the Victorian Government’s Council Assistance Fund. The funding will support our communities in the wake of the Upper Murray 2020 Bushfires.

“Council recognises that it is not just those in the direct impact zone who need a hand. Our entire Shire has been impacted and this package also gives those ratepayers some support” Mayor Wortmann said.

Within the next fortnight residents will begin to receive their rate instalment notices. Any eligible credits will be automatically applied and shown on the notice.

Council has also extended the due date of instalments 3 and 4 to June 30, 2020.

The funds will be used by Council to credit part of the 2019/20 and 2020/21 rates and business registration fees, as well as fees related to rebuilding of private assets Residents who are continuing to face financial hardship, in fire-affected areas. are encouraged to contact Council’s Property and Rates Team to discuss alternative arrangements, including The relief is intended to help alleviate some of the financial hardship experienced by Towong Shire Council interest free deferment of rates and instalment plans. residents and businesses who have been impacted by the If residents believe the extent of damage their property has sustained has been recorded incorrectly, please Upper Murray Bushfires in January 2020. contact Council’s Property and Rates Team on 02 6071 In determining the allocation of rate relief, Council has carefully considered the varying levels of impact resulting 5100. from the fires; from direct and severely impacted Bushfire Rates Relief Package properties and lives, through to indirect social and economic impacts.

1. Relief for Residents The following Bushfire Rates Relief Package is comprised Accounts will be automatically credited with the of three components: qualifying amount, as reflected on individual rate notices.

1. Relief for Residents All credited amounts will be the equivalent of rates and 2. Relief for Businesses fees in the 2019/20 Financial Year.

3. Support for Rebuilding and Development Tier 1: Severe Direct Impact – Loss of Residence and/ or Infrastructure (burnt) Council is confident the Bushfire Rates Relief Package will Automatic once-off credit of rates for 12 months. go a little way towards easing the financial pressures for Tier 2: Direct Impact – Properties within the Fire Zone Towong Shire residents and businesses. (burnt) Mayor Cr David Wortmann said “I would like to Automatic once-off credit of rates for 9 months. acknowledge the contribution from Bushfire Recovery Tier 3: Indirectly Impacted - The Upper Murray Victoria and the State Government which has made the Upper Murray properties that are not previously Bushfire Rates Relief Package possible.” covered in Tier 1 and 2 will receive a once-off credit of $350.

“While some of our residents and businesses in the Tier 4: Indirectly Impacted – Towong Shire Upper Murray continue to rebuild their lives, the last Council will not be passing on the approved 5.55% rate thing they need to worry about is paying their Council cap increase to ratepayers in the 2020/21 Financial Year, rates and fees. We hope the Relief Package alleviates that thereby providing relief for 2020/21 for all ratepayers. immediate concern” he said.

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2. Relief for Businesses

Business Rates Automatic once-off credit of rates for 12 months.

Business Registration Fees (Food, Accommodation and Health Act Premises) Businesses that are classed as Food, Accommodation and Health Act Premises, will have their business registration renewal fees waived throughout 2020 and 2021. New businesses will also not pay a registration fee.

While the fees are waived, Businesses do still need to renew their registration.

3. Support for Rebuilding and Development

Building, Planning and Septic Tank Permits While permits are still required, all Building, Planning and Septic Tank Permit fees will be waived in bushfire-affected areas throughout 2020 and 2021.

Council Recommendations to Bushfire Royal Commission The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements was established on 20 February 2020 in response to the extreme bushfire season of 2019-20 which resulted in loss of life, property and wildlife and environmental destruction. The Commission commenced this week with public hearings.

Mayor David Wortmann said he was optimistic that the Royal Commission would actively consider all thirteen recommendations put forward in Council’s submission, together with those from community members and supporting agencies.

“The recommendations made by Council recognise that bushfires and other extreme weather events are increasing in frequency across our region, exacerbated by climate change. This ultimately means the window for proactive fire management is much tighter than it has previously been and the fire-fighting season is more prolonged” he said. “This means it is more important than ever that we have proactive fuel management, resources, plans and support to effectively manage any future events” Mayor Wortmann said.

The thirteen recommendations submitted by Council include; 1. Improved resources to support future Municipal Emergency Relief and Recovery 2. Implement a training program for Municipal Emergency Roles 3. Coordinated and specialised support and counselling for municipalities and local Councils 4. A more mature Emergency Response Model, including experienced and skilled ‘flying squad’ of emergency staff 5. Funding for infrastructure and services to convert the Upper Murray Events Centre into a scalable Relief Centre 6. Improve predictability for cross-border communities through reliable and compatible telecommunications, radio networks, information and services 7. Investment in ‘mobile black spot’ telecommunications infrastructure and expand wireless broadband network 8. Trial and introduce alternative models of fuel management 9. Increase the clearance area around boundary fencing to at least 8 metres 10. Increase investment in fire-fighting aircraft 11. Involve the ADF in Municipal Emergency Management Planning 12. Change the natural disaster assistance to allow financial assistance where secondary events post bushfire have resulted in damage to assets 13. Active support from Federal Government to support Council in developing, applying and evaluating a model of community led recovery Read Council’s full submission at www.towong.vic.gov.au/bushfirerecovery, along with the submission to the Victorian Inspector-General of Emergency Management Fire Season Inquiry – Phase 1.

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COMMUNITY

NOTICES

This section is for community members to give notice about local happenings, births, deaths and marriages etc. Email to info@berringacommunitynews.com.au

Talgarno Hall Hall hire rates, which include air conditioning costs, are: Community meetings under 3 hours $15, meetings over 3 hours $25.

Local resident function hire $150 plus $150 bond (includes insurance).

Non-resident function hire $250 plus $150 bond (includes insurance).

Use of pizza oven free - but booking essential The old chairs and the tables are available for hire by donation.

6020 2038

CORRYONG BUS & FREIGHT Passenger and freight service between Albury/Wodonga and Corryong along Murray River Road Daily Monday to Friday Maurie Johnston 0427 240 077

Women’s Health Clinics

For bookings contact Anthea 6020 1134

Bethanga Soldiers Memorial Hall Hall and Supper Room Available for Hire Functions and Meetings Day / Night Air Conditioned / Heated Competitive Rates For more information and Hall bookings contact: Graham Maynard 6026 4007, Ron Evans 6026 4301 or Robin Neilson 0400 472 247

Clinics are also held at Tallangatta on the first and third Monday of each month.

Granya Hall

All ages welcome

Fees for the hall hire

This is a free service. Appointments necessary. For bookings or further information phone the Tallangatta Health Service Sue Reid 6071 5270

Non-profit organisations - $60 including tea and coffee.

For other functions it will be $100, included is $40 to cover public liability insurance.

Catering $8 a head Community Meeting $15 Bookings and Information contact

G

Kaye Guilliamese kjfarm@gmail.com 6072 9598

ranya Museum Specialising in pioneer families.

Open by appointment 6072 9540

Winter is here, time to sit in front of the fire with a good book from the Talgarno Street Library Open all hours for everyone at the Talgarno Hall.

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Maternal & Child Health Do you have young children? Have you accessed Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service for free health, developmental and learning checks?

Towong Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service is available at Bellbridge Community Centre on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Drop in to see a qualified nurse between 9:30 am and 12:00 noon or arrange an appointment for the afternoon. Home visits can also be arranged for a time that is convenient for your family.

For more information or to make an appointment call Trudi Ellis on 6026 4228 or 0417 535 978

In Memorium

Bonegilla Hall

McGrath- Pup (Peter Patrick) -Bethanga 18/09/1950 - 12/05/2020 Died peacefully after a short illness at Albury Base Hospital Much loved son of Bill and Laura McGrath, Bungil Granya (dec) and brother of Des, Laurence and Kerry.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to celebrate Pup’s life.

Marriage

Hall available for hire.

Craft Group held every Thursday 10am-2pm.

Monthly Dance held on the 4th Saturday of the month; 8pm start.

Anyone interested in Zumba classes?

Cameron Sirl and Johanne Ollington celebrated their surprise wedding at their property 'Scrubby Hill', Bethanga on 28th March 2020. The bridal party of four, enjoyed a small afternoon tea.

Enquiries: 0439 186 373 Email: BonegillaHall@gmail.com

Tallangatta Health Service News Our “new business as usual” with COVID-19 As the State of Emergency in Victoria has now lifted, Tallangatta Health Service is working within COVID-19 restrictions and changed work processes in what is our new “business as usual”, whilst still maintaining the quality of our services.

Whilst we are still delivering services and still caring for our patients and residents, staff practise social distancing wherever possible. We have restrictions on numbers at any one time into our public areas such as staff rooms and meeting rooms. Hand sanitiser remains available throughout the facility. We have a single point of entry at our main reception for staff and visitors, who are all screened and temperature checked upon arrival.

to two visitors per day during visiting hours of 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Visitors under the age of 16 are not encouraged.

Under new Legislative requirements, all visitors to aged care must provide evidence of their Influenza Immunisation for 2020. At Tallangatta Health Service, we will provide visitors with an identifying Immunisation program card once this evidence is supplied on the initial visit.

We remind visitors to follow the guidelines as set by the government as follows: No visitor should attend an aged care home if they are unwell or displaying any cold/flu, respiratory or COVID-19 related symptoms.

Visitors must comply with the home’s infection prevention and control measures. At a minimum, the entry requirements include being required to respond honestly to screening questions about COVID-19 risk factors, demonstrate an up to date influenza vaccination; and complying with visitor requirements which include mandatory hand

As a part of the Victorian “11 Day Blitz”, COVID-19 testing was offered to all staff and residents last week who were asymptomatic (having no symptoms). Of the 112 tests undertaken, all results so far have returned negative.

Both of our aged care facilities, Lakeview and Bolga Court, are open to visitors. Each resident may have up 12

hygiene, being temperature checked upon arrival, wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required, attending to social distancing requirements and remaining in a resident’s room or designated visiting areas.

delivered to us, complete with flowers. The Tallangatta Girl Guides have also been exchanging letters with residents, which has created much excitement among them.

We thank our wonderful community who are very thoughtful and caring. Whilst COVID-19 has resulted in many restrictions, our staff, residents and family members have been very supportive and understanding over the last few weeks.

COVID-19 Testing

Testing for COVID-19 is at the Albury Wodonga Health Clinic. If you have any symptoms you may call your General Practitioner, or call the clinic on 02 6058 4444 to International Nurses Day arrange an appointment for a test.

Tuesday 12 May 2020 was the 200th anniversary of the Alternatively, you may call the COVID-19 Hotline on birth of Florence Nightingale, known as the pioneer of 1800 675 398 modern nursing. The date is celebrated each year as All individuals being tested for COVID-19 should home International Nurses Day. To celebrate, Tallangatta isolate until test results are available.

Health Service held a BBQ lunch for staff It is important to stay informed of the current COVID-19 members. The open situation. Make sure that the information you are space in our Activity receiving is from a reliable source. The Department of Centre allowed us to Health and Human Services website has current updates socially distance over a at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus staggered lunch period.

Whilst not as crowded as COVID-19 symptoms to be aware of are: our usual get togethers, the lunch was still enjoyed • Fever OR chills with no other known cause OR by many staff. Some even • Cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, wore their nursing badges loss of sense of smell OR and brought along some • New onset of headache, myalgia (muscle pain), nausea, vomiting and diarrhea AND memorabilia! All of our • who are close contacts of a confirmed case of staff members have been COVID-19, or Denise Parry showing memorabilia doing a wonderful job over for International Nurses Day; • who have returned from overseas in the past 14 the recent weeks and we days, or thank them immensely.

• are a Health Care or Aged Care Worker.

Social Worker Message – Cathy Wallace, phone 02 Residents 6071 5200 A special Mother’s Day menu was provided with As the days are getting cooler, many of us have started beautifully decorated place mats and flowers on dining to use more heating, whether it’s gas, electricity or wood. tables. All our residents were made to feel special, If you receive any payments through Centrelink, or you complete with chocolates and cupcakes. Some lovely have a Pensioner or Health Care Card, you may be feedback was received. Thanks to the caring staff who entitled to a number of rebates. Your energy supplier can went out of their way to make this a memorable day. be contacted and you can ask about your energy rebate supplement. Keeping receipts for wood purchase is important if applying for the rebate for wood heating.

Entitlements are listed on the DHHS website under Concession and Benefits at: https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/energy Centrelink (now known as Services Australia) may also have entitlements. Their website can be accessed at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/ centrelink If you have a Case Manager, you may ask them to assist you to access rebates. I am also available to discuss these rebates further if you are needing support.

Flowers and Messages of Support from the Primary School; Extra Care on Mother’s Day

With decreased movements in and out of our facility recently, Tallangatta Primary School students kindly sent If you are seeking financial support, you may also contact Upper Murray Family Care who can be accessed notecards wishing our residents well. These were by phoning 02 6055 8000.

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Peninsula Arts In future editions we will celebrate the work of local artists.

Lake Hume from Bethanga Lookout by David Cottee

This edition we have photos

by David Cottee of Talgarno and Neil Galloway of Bethanga. Both photographers capture our spectacular local scenery and fauna David's photos also feature on the front and back page Readers can follow David at Poncho Dave@Facebook

Talgarno from Georges Creek Road by David Cottee

Blue Wrens by David Cottee

Sunset on Murray River Granya by David Cottee 14

Berringa Community News is aware of many creative people on the Peninsula. Towong Shire wants to identify creatives in the Shire so they can provide better support.

Please respond to their ad If you want to feature in future editions please contact Julie Miller 6020 1107 or email Drone view up Martins Road by Neil Galloway

Sunset over Bethanga by Neil Galloway

These photos are spectacular in colour. See them in colour on line at www.berringacommunitynews.com.au 15

Bethanga Hotel

Bethanga General Store

COVID updates relating to reopening.

We are aiming to open mid - end of June however as you are aware a lot has changed and we will be guided by legislation and regulations as to how the operational side of business will run.

7.30 am - 11.30am Monday to Thursday 7.30 am -6 pm Friday & Saturday 10.30 am - 6pm Sunday General provisions and Swap and Go gas

Please continue to follow us via our socials for updates. We endeavour to keep you all in the loop as we progress.

Enquiries 6026 4215.

www.bethangahotel.com.au @bethangahotel #bethangahotel 02 6026 14214 0400 875 137

The Playgroup is in recess due to the Covid-19 restrictions. We will recommence once the restrictions on schools are lifted

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CLUBS AND GROUPS Berringa Community News does not have the current Defibrillators Reminder that Defibrillators are available status under Covid 19 regulations of all the Clubs 24/7 in a white box on the front walls of and Groups in this section. We suggest you contact Bethanga Shop them or their social media pages for further Bethanga Recreation Reserve pavilion information.

Bellbridge Community Centre Granya Hall BERRINGA CERT Talgarno Hall Keep well, Julie Miller, Team Leader Berringa CERT juliemiller@skymesh.com.au CERT in COVID 19 Times 6020 1107 Since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic the Berringa 0419 339 679 Emergency Response Team has continued to respond to Ambulance Victoria callouts to the Peninsula but we do not look the same. At all callouts we will, where possible, BELLBRIDGE COMMUNITY GROUP The Towong Council also needs to hear from our maintain social distancing, wear gloves, masks and community, with any questions or concerns so they really safety glasses and if there are any Covid 19 symptoms know what’s happening in our community and what we we also don overalls or aprons. Although we may look want or need. Contact can be made by phone 6071 5100 like Darth Vadar, we are still friendly faces and will be or info@towong.vic.gov.au. If you are not confident in smiling behind our masks. contacting Council, our community group is happy to help put forward ideas or raise concerns with Council. Our aim On the last night before the lock down the team had its is to increase communication with our council. To join our last face to face training. I was notified a couple of days group please contact; later that one of the team had been in contact with Denise Anderson 0418 612 470 someone who had been tested for Covid 19. In the early days of the pandemic this put the team and Ambulance Victoria into a spin – ten members of the team and our ROTARY CLUB OF BELLBRIDGE paramedic trainer had since the training night been in contact maybe with 100 people. The person being tested LAKE HUME INC. had been at a local birthday party in the days before Senior Citizens Christmas in July Luncheon. lockdown and we had used the Bethanga Primary School The Rotary club has deferred the Christmas in July for training. How many people in our local community function for the elderly residents of the peninsula could have been in contact with the virus? Fortunately, probably towards Christmas. Similarly other activities are within 2 days, the suspected case tested negative, but it being reviewed because of the virus situation. was an eye opener as to how many people could be in Regards, contact with the virus without physical distancing and Andrew Christy 6026 4338 isolation.

As restrictions are lifted, please maintain Physical distancing Hand washing Self isolate and get tested if you have any symptoms or you are unwell Work from home if possible Only leave home for supplies, medical care, caregiving, exercise, work/study or visiting close friends and family while sticking to guidelines of allowed venues and activities.

Download the Covid 19 app CERT Committee AGM Subject to the Covid 19 restrictions in force at the time, the CERT Committee AGM is scheduled for Monday 24 August 7pm Bethanga Hall.

PENINSULA MEN’S SHED 6 Sirl Street, Bethanga

Anyone interested in joining the group would be most welcome. It’s a great way to share and learn from each other, at the same time as being a social outing.

The Men’s Shed is open every Wednesday from 9am until 6pm (depending on attendance). You are welcome to come along and get involved in Men’s Shed projects or create your own, or even get the men at the shed to do a project or repair job for you, or just come along for a cuppa and a chat.

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Member meetings are held at the shed on the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm.

Phil Craig, President

HUME BOAT CLUB

BERRINGA SUPPORT What a strange few months we’ve all had dealing with an unfamiliar COVID19 life! We trust that all those who’ve suffered and are still trying to recover from the onslaught of the drought and terrible fires have been able to navigate the current situation with some semblance of maintaining your sanity.

MEMBERSHIP NOW AVAILABLE Members benefits *Secure gate entrance (key access).

Prior to the onset of COVID19, representatives from KOH, a Sydney cleaning company, journeyed from Sydney to deliver a range of cleaning products for distribution to our local CFA groups. These will hopefully ease the pressure for them when coping with future emergencies.

*Double width boat ramp. *BBQ and shelters. *Public toilets. *Club rooms available for members’ use. *Club rooms available for function hire (members hire only). *Members’ functions held year round. *Great location for all types of boating.

Membership forms available on website Membership forms and keys available from Bellbridge Lake Hume Store ph 6026 4001 Contact Scott Coates 0457 464 647 Email: Administrator@humeboatclub.com

Donation made by Justin (far left) & Adam (far right) from Koh cleaning Sydney at the Corryong CFA with Melody Carmody.

BETHANGA CFA Fire calls 000 Burn Notifications VICFIRE 1800 668 511 Victorian Bush Fire Information 1800 240 667 All Peninsula Fire Units - UHF 24

Berringa Support, though restricted as everyone, by the new rules and lockdown, have not forgotten those who may still be needing extra support. As with some of the local Foodshare groups, we are distributing some remaining boxes of non-perishables to aid those whose lives are still restricted due to being in a vulnerable group, including age, difficulty with travel, caring for ill partners, loss of employment, etc.

INCIDENTS

If you, or someone you know, falls within this range and would appreciate a little extra help, please contact Berringa Support at any of the following points of contact: info@berringasupport.com.au 02 6046 9250 www.berringasupport.com.au Privacy will be respected.

20 February 2020 3:18pm Column of smoke, corner of Talgarno Gap road and Cemetery lane. A stop message was received shortly after the call out, and trucks were returned to station.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS CFA fire restrictions ceased on the 23rd of March this year in the Towong Shire.

A reminder that while CFA fire restrictions have ceased, the person lighting the fire is still responsible to ensure it

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does not get out of control. Towong Shire residents are encouraged to contact Council’s Fire Prevention Officer on 02 60715100 for advice before undertaking any burning activities. Township residents have more restrictions placed on them than farming areas. More detail, and permit applications can be found by searching “Fire Permits and Restrictions” on the Towong Shire website.

enjoyment may be very short-lived. Our brigade has attended many chimney fires over the years so don’t think it won’t happen to you.

Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people.

Chimney fires can burn fiercely, loudly and dramatically enough to be detected by neighbours or people passing COVID-19 by. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of Due to the social distancing restrictions we are unable to the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low conduct any brigade meetings or training and the birumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train. annual brigade elections have been postponed until However these dramatic chimney fires are only the ones further notice. Brigade turn outs to emergency events are you know about. still occurring as per normal.

FOCUS ON: CHIMNEY FIRES Your chimney or flue is designed to carry dangerous gases from your fireplace, wood stove or heater safely out of your home.

As you relax in front of the warmth of your wood heater, the last thing you are likely to be thinking about is the condition of your chimney. However, if you don’t give some thought to it before you light those winter fires your

The majority of chimney fires go undetected Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have fuel to be dramatic or visible and they often go undetected, but the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause damage to the chimney structure, and nearby combustible parts of the house.

Creosote & chimney fires: What you must know Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fuel fires, while providing heat for a home.

The chimney’s job is to expel the by-products of combustion which is produced when wood burns. These include smoke, water vapour, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon and assorted minerals. As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs.

The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote.

Creosote is a black or brown residue that can be crusty and flaky, tar like, drippy and sticky or shiny and hardened. All forms of Creosote are highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities and the internal flue

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temperature is high enough, the result could be a chimney fire.

Conditions that encourage the build-up of creosote Restricted air supply: Air supply is usually restricted by not opening the air control wide enough. The fire then smoulders and the lack of sufficient air flow to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly encourages the formation of creosote.

We usually do this just before we go to bed. Fill the fire box and set the air control to minimum to make sure the fire is still going in the morning.

Some tips to help avoid this are: Before you dampen down your fire, let it burn on high for 15- 20min until it is burning well and hot. Also set the air flow control to allow a little more air but still burn all night. Set an early alarm (for the partner) so they can stoke the fire so it’s nice and warm when you finally rise.

Unseasoned wood: Unseasoned wood, or green wood, is wood that hasn’t had enough time to dry to a natural stable environment moisture level (around 20%). Split green wood usually takes a summer to be properly seasoned. If you use unseasoned wood, significant amounts of the fire’s energy is used initially just to drive off the moisture trapped in the wood, resulting in a cooler burning fire.

This lower heat and extra moisture encourages condensation within the chimney, and creosote build-up.

Signs of burning unseasoned wood include extra visible smoke and having to open the air control more than normal to get the wood to burn.

Preventing chimney fires Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. Clean and inspect your solid fuel chimney annually before winter and repair any faults.

Burn dry seasoned wood.

Allow adequate air supply so wood burns, not smoulders.

Be aware of, and investigate, changes to your wood fires performance or odours.

What to do if you have a chimney fire

1. Call the fire brigade on 000 no matter what time of day or night. We will be able to extinguish your chimney fire and inspect the chimney and surrounding structure to make sure it is safe. Brigades also have access to thermal imaging cameras to detect heat in inaccessible spaces.

2. Ensure the safety of everyone in the house by exiting the premises and keeping a safe distance away until emergency services arrive.

Only if safe to do so, restrict the incoming air flow by closing the fire box door and setting the air control to minimum.

CONTACTS Ben Mitchell, Captain 0411 080 277 bethangacfacaptain@gmail.com Tracey Woodhouse, Secretary 0413 708 302 bethangacfasecretary@gmail.com Ron Evans, Community Safety Liaison 02 6026 4301

TALGARNO RURAL FIRE BRIGADE

Welcome to the autumn update in what has been a very Unseasoned wood is a major cause of creosote deposit. welcome quiet time for us all on the fire front! But who Combine it with restricted air supply and you have perfect would have thought that it would take a pandemic to quieten everything down! conditions for creosote build-up and chimney fire potential.

Signs that you have creosote build-up As your fire and flue go through heating and cooling cycles some of the creosote can dislodge and fall back down the chimney. This often sounds like a light rattle coming down the chimney. Imagine Tinker Bell coming down the chimney, not Santa.

When your chimney has significant creosote build-up it restricts the flue’s ability to vent properly. When you open the fire box door smoke billows out into the room, often setting off the smoke alarm.

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These may be able to recommence around the 2 nd week of June or July depending on the changes to social The termination of the 2019-20 fire season occurred early gathering rules in place. Please keep an eye out for the on 23 March 2020 after the wet late summer/early reminder signs on Murray River Road in the days leading autumn period. This assured us that the risk of significant up to the BBQ and on our Facebook page. fires was over for this season. Despite this lower risk, we strongly encourage anyone lighting significant fires to call If there are any community members that would like to these in to Vicfire to avoid an unnecessary call out. This join our brigade, please contact Peter Star or Brendan can be done by Pearson or attend one of our monthly BBQs on the Termination of fire season and notifications

second Friday of each month.

1. Calling 1800 668 511 and provide the required information.

2. Complete the Burn off Notification Form from CFA website. Email the form to burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au or by fax: 1300 674 428.

Peter Star, Captain, 0429 436 347 Brendan Pearson, Secretary, 0439 881 440

3. Use the National Relay Service by ringing 1300 555 727 and ask for Information to be relayed to ESTA via 1800 668 511

BETHANGA TALGARNO JUNIOR BRIGADE

2019/20 fires RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS Over the summer the Juniors have been concentrating their efforts on training for the running championships.

These events are designed to simulate how the CFA volunteers would set up the fire truck on a real job to fight a fire, with junior and senior teams competing to do it the fastest.

On the 1st of March, the Juniors participated in the District 24 Running Championships held at Gapsted. We had one 11-15yo team, who achieved the following awards:

Since the last Berringa News there has been somewhat of an outpouring of thanks and special offers to our members and those of emergency services in general.

These were thanking us for our commitment during the monster fire season which now seems a distant memory now with COVID-19 taking its grip. Tickets to cruises, opera, Katy Perry and other unique offers have come from many businesses thanking CFA members for their volunteer service. These offers have been humbly accepted by some of our members, when reward is not why we volunteer our time and energy.

Talgarno Fire Brigade, like all that were involved in the Upper Murray fires, was involved in a debrief activity taking account of what worked well and not so well in the massive effort. It was clear that on the whole, the positives far outnumbered the negatives and everyone is to be applauded for the effort as there are bound to be things that don’t go well in an event of this scale and duration.

3rd in the Low Down Pump event.

COVID-19 changes As with many community activities our brigade training and meetings have been affected by COVID-19 and the need to physically distance ourselves. We have been staying in touch with each other over email and phone and recently applied for a ‘Pick List’ grant that was offered to all brigades and held our conversations with each other over email to make decisions. Our brigade has been given sanitising wipes for use when driving vehicles and using equipment and more recently all brigades including ours have been issued with thermometers to test temperature before turning out to an incident or attending the fire shed for essential vehicle or equipment maintenance.

The Ron Leary Conduct and Discipline award.

The Juniors also showed good sportsmanship and subbed for other teams who were short a member, in one case helping another team win a medal. Our Juniors were keen to compete at the District 22 event at

Unfortunately, our 80-year anniversary and awards scheduled for May was a victim of COVID-19 and was forced to be postponed. We will inform you all when we are able to name the date, but this could be some time given the nature of the situation.

Other news We managed to sell our Slip-On vehicle in March and we were also very impressed to see the Bethanga Talgarno Juniors perform well again at this year’s District 24 championships picking up a medal in one event and shield again for conduct. This was held just before the major restrictions came into force. Congratulations team!

Fire brigade social club BBQs 21

Strathmerton on the 22nd of March, but unfortunately this was not able to go ahead due to the COVID-19 situation.

Overall this was a FANTASTIC effect for our Juniors and the Junior Leaders who trained, twice a week, for many weeks for these championships. Also well done to their families, who supported the Juniors and travelled with them to their events. We are very proud of our Juniors.

distancing regulations. As soon as we are able to resume we look forward to seeing all our Juniors again.

JOINING THE JUNIOR BRIGADE If you are 11 to 15 years old (or are turning 11 soon) and are interested in joining the junior brigade, please get in contact us using the details provided below.

fundraiser, in lieu of the already cancelled Bushdance due to bushfires, have not been possible either.

The club does intend to once again run junior coaching from sometime in August/September. This has been very popular over the last few years and we expect to have at least 20 Brendan Pearson on 0439881440 or kids in our program again. More John Northey 0414931442 details to follow before then. bethangatalgarnojuniors@gmail.com Club president Jarrod Stephenson and the committee have been AWARD FOR SERVICE canvassing possible grants to TALGARNO TENNIS Bethanga Brigades very own Ron resurface and improve the tennis Evans was awarded a medal at the CLUB court facility. Fingers crossed on that Gapsted Running Championships. one as the courts have deteriorated With the advent of Covid-19 it really Ron received a well-deserved naturally over time and they are the has been the season of what didn’t Service Award from the Volunteer happen. Section 1 bowed out of the most frequently used sports facility on Fire Brigades Victoria, for over 40 the peninsula!

Kiewa & Talgarno District Tennis years of service to the District 24 Association in the semi-finals way In the meantime, take advantage of Running Championships. Our Juniors back in late February. No wild this glorious autumn sunshine and were proud to stand beside Ron and celebrations, just a wonderful dinner get out and hit some balls! congratulate him. A huge “THANK at the Bethanga Pub followed.

Grand plans for a Fast Four night competition in April were given the Covid kybosh by late March. This was very frustrating given that we have been wanting to run a night competition for a couple of years and take advantage of the excellent lighting at the courts. Over 20 players had registered interest – many of them non-members or YOU” to Ron for all his hard work and Saturday pennant players – so this ongoing support over the years to the was a real shame. Thanks to Brendan Pearson for putting in heaps championships and to our Brigade. of effort to no avail. Hopefully, we will WINTER SESSIONS have the opportunity to run a night At this stage, the Juniors sessions competition in spring – stay tuned. are on hold due to the COVID-19 Also, any plans for a major situation and associated social

Club Secretary Adam Richardson 0412 560 833

TALGARNO CRAFT GROUP Held on the last Friday of the month.

Come and share ideas and enjoy each other’s company. For further information contact: Joan Elliot 6020 1177

BETHANGA GOLF CLUB Springdale Road Bethanga Due to the Covid 19 restrictions the golf course is closed. Although some of the restrictions on golf courses are to be lifted, the Bethanga Golf course committee has made the regrettable decision that it will not re-open the course this season, due to the work required to make it useable for what would be a very short period.

The course will be re-opened next 22

year.

0468 350 930

Learn Taekwondo

Hire the club house for your next celebration or fundraiser.

Contact either Peter Star 0429 436 347 Morry Strelec 0400 036 635

BETHANGA PONY CLUB AND ADULT RIDING GROUP

for self defence, fitness or sport Talgarno Community Hall Wednesday 6pm -7.30pm

BETHANGA ANGLERS CLUB

Rally days are held on the third Sunday of each month and riders receive instruction in horse riding and horse handling, with safety as the primary goal.

Although you would expect that horse ownership is a basic requisite to be a Pony Club member, the club is fortunate enough to have extra horses brought along by existing Anyone interested in joining the Club members and committee members to or any member who has any give those members without a horse suggestions for future outings, please an opportunity to participate. contact Brian Hunter 6026 4235 Horse activities to date have Happy Fishing, CATCHYA soon included a trail ride, ground skill Brian 6026 4235 lessons, riding at the walk, trot and canter, sporting (such as barrel racing) and obstacle courses. One BETHANGA rainy day, members even did some RECREATION RESERVE indoor class work and getting to Executive understand their horses and how they President - Brett Martin move.

Secretary - Andrew Hird The Bethanga Gymkhana Committee Treasurer - Karen Pyle has included two new events in its General committee program for BPC members. The Matt Gill Bethanga Pony Club is a member of Terry Macartney Pony Club Victoria.

David Elder Just a reminder that members can weigh their fish in at the Bethanga Hotel at any time.

To contact us email The club has up to two “come and try bethangareserve@gmail.com or SMS days” before fees are due. Annual

FIRST LESSON FREE Instructor David Cottee 3rd Dan (Kukkiwon certified) NCAS Level 1 Coach Senior First Aid

fees include insurance through Pony Club Victoria which provides cover for members 24/7, not just at Pony Club rallies.

The Bethanga Pony Club has its own Facebook page, so check us out; friend us on Facebook at ‘Bethanga Pony Club’.

If you have any old 44-gallon drums or long pine poles/posts or even remnants of still usable paint that you no longer have a need for, please consider donating them to the Pony Club - we can always use them.

For general information, registration and rally days, please contact Kelly Gibbon on 0414 612 918.

BONEGILLA HALL CRAFT GROUP Come along to our craft group session every THURSDAY (excluding school holidays). Bring all those UFO’s along and enjoy a bit of laughter.

10:00am to 2:00pm; Cost $4.00, includes tea or coffee. Bring along your lunch.

Contact Pam on 0401 545 583

POLE WALKERS On Wednesdays at 10:00 am during winter (9:00am in summer), a group of locals meet to walk with poles around the scenic spots of our 23

Peninsula. Pole walking uses up approx. 20% more calories than just ordinary walking and you use approx.

80% more of your body muscles. You feel terrific at the end of an hour, not only from the exercise but the friendly company. If you wish to become a pole walker, give us a call.

Joan Elliot 6020 1177

BETHANGA CRICKET CLUB During the 2019/20 Season both teams had more wins than past seasons, thanks to Coach Brett Gilbee. The ground was kept in superb condition by curator Brad (Bristle) Taylor, with the club purchasing a smooth drum roller.

Luke Rafferty was a new recruit, who swooped the trophy pool by winning the Champion player and the leading batting award, with 498 runs (Av 27).

This year we introduced a Best on Ground memorial trophy - "The Laurie" in honour of the late Lawrence Packer who was a life member for over 40 years, was awarded to Best on Ground - Luke Rafferty End of season accolades for A Grade went to: K Salome - Bowling 25 wickets, including 7/7 vs Howlong B Sirl - Fielding T Sirl - Coaches award J Gilbee - Scored 115 runs against Mt Beauty M Vinnicombe - Duck award B Grade Trophies T Henderson - B grade bowling 12 wickets W Kirkwood - Batting 250 incl best average T Henderson - Bowling 12 wickets J McDonald - Fielding W Jahne - Captains award Clubman of the year was awarded jointly to B Collins and C Sirl.

The club would like to extend thanks to Cricket Albury Wodonga for their support.

The club is always keen to see new ideas and members. Like our Facebook page, Bethanga CC, to keep up with regular updates.

Johanne Sirl - Secretary Trent Sirl – President 0439 090 333 Kristian Jahne - Treasurer

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Anglican - Holy Trinity Bethanga Services held 4th Sunday of the month – 9:30am, followed by morning tea.

All visitors welcome.

Baptisms/Christenings - by appointment.

Enquiries to Rev Sandra Temple 6026 4361 or 0467 259 722 Catholic - St Francis Bethanga Mass times: In recess until further notice.

Available for baptisms, funerals and weddings All enquiries to Fr Junjun Amaya 0459 356 917 or Fr Shibu 0432 591 551

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Bethanga Landcare Group 2020 Tree Giveaway

Pick up your tray of 20 to 40 trees for a song ( plus stakes and guards!) and for just a $15 joining Rain has returned! A great time membership fee on the day! to plant on your property! Don’t Saturday 20th June 9 -11 am at Bethanga miss out on the annual Community Hall. See you there!

Bethanga Landcare Tree Giveaway Saturday 20th June.

Wises Creek Talgarno Landcare Group

Well of course our Landcare group has had to abandon its planned activities over the past few months in response to the Covid-19 situation. Like everyone else, we are not setting any dates for future activities until we get the green light to do so. We will certainly let you know as soon as we can.

BETHANGA AUTOMOTIVE & Small Engine Repairs

Mick Childs Mob :0414 425 413 Ph:6026 4881

(Please leave message if not answered– Mobile Preferred)

While our group activities have been postponed, there has been quite a bit going on at the level of individual members. Simon Feillafe has been working with those members who had previously nominated projects and funding has been allocated to those activities. As always, we encourage you to get in touch with our project manager Simon Feillafe (0438 190 999) if you have any interest in Landcare activities. Alternatively, please contact Jim de Hennin (0408 978 847) or me (0419 609 042) if you would like to discuss future activities or if you want information about our group.

Greg Hayes Secretary

Vehicle services and repairs to cars, tractors, trucks, small and stationary engines.

Starter ropes and Caltex oils and lubes available

Looking for a plasterer to fix holes, do extensions or renovations?

Give

Workshop Facilities Onsite repairs (when viable) Competitive Rates

PETER JACKSON a call on 02 6026 4040 NSW Licence 41348C

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Reflections on the Lake by Neil Galloway

Jono Green Farm Services Based in Talgarno − Shearing & crutching − Certified Wool Classer − Fencing − General Farm Work − Livestock Work jrgreen59@hotmail.com −

0422 965 024 26

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There have been many changes at the centre over the past couple of months with the impact of COVID 19 and it truly is remarkable at how adaptable the children have been in the face of it all.

ours creating a beautiful rainbow as part of the rainbow trail promotion through COVID 19. They have also begun learning basic sign language.

The Kindergarten children have also been focusing on shapes, colours, numbers and letters – incorporating these into fun songs, stories as well as making the most of the autumn weather outside.

All children worked really hard to make items to remember ANZAC day We also have a new with items of the chilTeam Leader at the dren’s pieces used in a centre – Amanda Armstrong who grew up in South display in the front garWest NSW on a sheep and cattle station. She den for the community moved to Albury 15 years ago to study at Charles to see and to pay their Sturt University. Since completing her degree in respects to all the past, Early Childhood Education, Amanda has worked present and future seras an au pair, early childhood teacher, leader, vice men and women. trainer and assessor and is “excited about getting to know all the families and community members involved with Bellbridge”.

In terms of a roundup from the Friends of BEYLC (parents committee), all our fundraising efforts have ceased, like many othWe would also er groups, but we continue to liaise with Council like to take this over centre improvements, including the installaopportunity to tion of the dry creek bed and vegetable garden thank Loren for beds. These will be welcome additions to the outall her hard work door play areas. Excitingly, the council are looking and enthusiasm to create an overarching vision for the outdoor arerunning the cenas, so watch this space! tre as the past team leader and for creating such The committee have also been busy providing a positive envifunds to the centre with the staff buying some ronment. We’re much needed board-books and toys for the LDC! so fortunate that Loren is still part The centre is planof the team and ning to create a heads up the 3piece of artwork at year-old kinder the service enprogram! trance and would welcome the community’s involveThe centre has remained open during the past ment. The request couple of months with the introduction of new Cois for everyone to rona social distancing and hygiene measures in trace their footplace. For those who opted to keep their children print, colour/paint at home during these uncertain times, the staff it, cut it out and have been amazing. Not only have they provided drop it off at the easy activities to do at home (often based on gencentre. eral household items), but they have provided links to fun songs and dance moves, nature activities and have remained engaged and supportive. As For more information about the centre, which runs numbers slowly return to normal, we thank them all a 3 year old & 4 year old Kinder programme, ‘long for their unwavering dedication to the families of day care’ and ‘before & after school’ program, the centre.

Follow Berringa Community News on Facebook

There has been so much activity at the centre, but in summary, the children in the Long Day Care room have been focusing on their shapes and col28

Bethanga Primary School

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SERVICES DIRECTORY Antennas PDI Antennas

Mechanics & Machinery Repairs 0422 374 930

Ken Merkel Mick Childs Rural Asset Maintenance

6026 4459 6057 8888 0409 180 649 6026 4040 0419 493 423 0400 116 848

Museum

Building and Trades LR & LJ White PTY LTD Building Wunderbar Red’s Carpentry Peter Jackson Plasterer Dave Walker Painter Black Bridge Constructions

0402 591 835 0499 264 486

Catering Dave Chambers

0407 404 672

Cemeteries Bethanga Granya – Michael Warnock Talgarno - Lea Casey

6072 9534 0418 967 953

Churches Holy Trinity, Bethanga St. Francis, Bethanga

0467 259 722 0459 356 917

Electrical Contractors Jamie Swinnerton Electrical George Stahl

0419 419 048 0405 032 503

Equipment and machinery Bob Cat Hire Mini Diggers

6020 1153 0403 838 038

Farm Services Jono Green Farm Services

0422 965 024

General Stores & PO Bethanga General Store Bethanga PO

6026 4215 6026 4214

Hotel Bethanga Hotel Granya Hotel

High Country Pest Control

Upper North East Services Kyle Lieschke

0418 570 194

0432 084 846 0421 772 262

Public Halls & Community Centres Bellbridge - Towong Shire Bethanga - Graham Maynard Bethanga Rec Reserve - David Elder Bonegilla Hall Granya - Kaye Guilliamese Talgarno - Anthea Redman

6071 5100 6026 4007 0408 281 006 0439 186 373 6072 9598 6020 1134

Schools & Child Services Bellbridge Early Years Centre Bethanga Primary School Maternal & child Health Talgarno Primary School Playgroup

6026 4373 6026 4263 0417 535 978 6020 1143 0422 725 147

Sport & Recreation Taekwondo Pole Walking Craft Group Talgarno Tennis Club Planned Activity Group Bethanga Golf Club Bethanga Pony Club Mens Shed Bethanga Rotary Bethanga Anglers Club Bethanga Cricket Club Hume Boat Club

6026 4214 6072 9548

Corryong Bus & Freight Trakers Transport & Water Cartage Wymah Ferry

6071 2388

Veterinary services Tallangatta Veterinary Service

Lawyer Coombe Lawyers

Pest Control

0419 635 554 6026 4325 6020 1177 0417 228 445 6026 4325 6026 4927 0414 612 918 6026 4418 6025 4338 6026 4235 0439 090 333 0457 464 647

Transport

Hair & beauty Wilson-Nichol Hairdressing

6072 9534

Plumber

Carpet Peter Carmody YAW Floors

Granya Museum

6026 4389 0414 425 413 0438 564 428

0427 240 077 0428 264 480 6020 2038

6071 2594

0421 315 911

Calling all local services and tradies, advertise your service here, it is only $10 for the year for four editions (or FREE for any display advertisers). If you would like to be listed or want to recommend someone, please call us on 6020 1107 or email info@berringacommunitynews.com.au

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COMING EVENTS

CLASSIFIEDS

Our local classifieds reach 560 households or about 2000 Date people – just pop $2 (cash or stamps) and your details June into an envelope, and send it to Berringa Community News, 341 Wises Creek Rd, Talgarno 3691.

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The newsletter is distributed by volunteers to mail boxes where they are available. Copies will be placed in PO boxes for residents in Bethanga township or they can be can picked up at the PO or Bethanga General Store. For those in Granya with PO boxes copies are available in the community mailbox at the Granya Hall.

We would like to thank Kat Cook, Rosemary McFarland, Bob Singline, Bethanga PO, Talgarno mail contractors and Michael Wood for their on-going support in delivering the Berringa Community News

Page

Men’s Shed member meeting

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Bethanga Landcare Tree Givaway

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Men’s Shed member meeting

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Talgarno CFA BBQ (maybe)

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Men’s Shed member meeting

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14

Talgarno CFA BBQ (maybe)

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DEADLINE BERRINGA NEWS WINTER EDITION

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AGM Berringa CERT

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Berringa Community News Distribution

Event

July

August

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Dancing Trees, Lake Hume—David Cottee

The newsletter is also available in colour on line at www.berringacommunitynews.com.au

Advertising Firstly, the Editorial Team wish to thank our advertisers – without your advertisements in our community newsletter – there would be no newsletter!

The 2019 Advertising rates $120 Full page $60 half page $40 third page $30 quarter page $15 Business card size Classified Advertisements are $2.00 each.

If you have a story to tell or information to share with our community please contact one of the team. Alternatively you can email articles to info@berringacommunitynews.com.au or post to 341 Wises Creek Road, Talgarno.

Editorial Team- Julie Miller (6020 1107), Elizabeth Wood, Di Singline (6026 4248) Kerrie Stephenson, Julie de Hennin, Lea Casey Treasurer– Kerrie Stephenson 6020 1146 Berringa Community News is a community initiative. Published articles and advertisements are submitted by members of the community and as such are not necessarily the work or views of the editors.

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